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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hand County
Hand County sits within the Southern Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55C) region. Elevation averages about 1,556 feet.
Temperatures in Hand County range from a January mean low of 6°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 22.7 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Hand County ran 399 farms, 913,410 acres of farmland, and 27,291 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Hand County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
118 E 2nd St, Miller, SD 57362
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Hand County Operations
Based on Hand County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health initiatives through CSP and EQIP promote cover cropping and reduced tillage in crop rotations. Grassland conservation programs help maintain native prairie areas while supporting sustainable grazing practices.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Beadle County, South Dakota, Buffalo County, South Dakota, Faulk County, South Dakota, Hyde County, South Dakota, Jerauld County, South Dakota, and Spink County, South Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Hand County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the South Dakota guide: South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
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